Melissa DeGroat

The Board of Education meeting included a Superintendent's report regarding staffing adjustments due to declining student enrollment, updates on community outreach activities, teacher retirement celebrations, student project empathy initiatives, and an update on bond financing legislation. The Board also reviewed the development of an administrative regulation for a cell phone policy, approved the 2026-2027 property tax rates, and authorized a contract for mechanical improvements at Seaholm High School to address HVAC system leaks.

This document outlines the agreements for educational practices within BPS, aiming to provide an equitable, consistent, and positive student experience across all buildings by aligning staff expectations. Key focus areas include robust Tier One instruction utilizing Arts & Letters and Magnetic Reading Foundations, structured K-5 small group intervention or enrichment, consistent family communication through tip sheets and letters, and comprehensive assessment practices. Additionally, it details intervention protocols for K-8 students, requiring Student Success Plans and progress monitoring in Panorama.

The board meeting included several student recognitions, including the DECA team's achievements at the international career development conference, the Groves forensic team's success in state-level competitions, and a student author's publication and nonprofit work. Additionally, the district introduced a new director of special education.

The Board of Education adopted a resolution affirming its commitment to diversity and educational equity. Key discussion topics included the importance of high expectations for all students, ensuring equitable access to learning resources, and maintaining high-quality curriculum and instruction. The resolution highlights the responsibilities of the school board, the Superintendent, and the district leadership in supporting staff and students, as well as the need for constructive community dialogue. It emphasizes the implementation of consistent behavioral consequences alongside positive disciplinary programs like restorative justice and a commitment to annual reporting on progress.

The Learning Loss Plan for Birmingham Public Schools outlines strategies to address learning loss for the 2022-2023 academic year, aligning with the district's broader five-year strategic plan under the 'Student Achievement' priority. Key focus areas include improving data literacy with new benchmark assessments and data analysis, strengthening the Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) for reading and mathematics, implementing highly aligned instructional materials focusing on learning acceleration, providing professional coaching for high school teachers, offering high-dosage tutoring, and delivering specialized summer learning experiences. The plan aims to increase student proficiency and growth across all grades and reduce disparities for students with disabilities, African American students, English language learners, and economically disadvantaged students.